Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness
Presented in Association with the
Western New Mexico University Department
of Natural Sciences
Plantago patagonica Jacquin
(Wooly Plantain)
Family: Plantaginaceae
Status: Native
Synonyms:
Plantago purshii Roemer & Schultes
Plantago purshii Roemer & Schultes var. picta (Morris) Pilger
Plantago oblonga Morris
Plantago picta Morris
Plantago spinulosa Decaisne
Plantago patagonica is the only member of this family which is found away from disturbed areas
and in the wilderness. It is villous and gray in appearance, as opposed to the bright green appearance
of Plantago major and Plantago lanceolata, both of which require considerably more water to survive. Plantago
patagonica can achieve the same size as the other two species, but more commonly it is quite a bit smaller.
Please click on an image for a larger file.
Plantago patagonica, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Knight Mtn., May 9, 2007
Plantago patagonica, detail of inflorescence, photo Russ Kleinman & Richard Felger, Burro Mtns., Engineer Canyon, Apr. 20, 2008
Plantago patagonica, growth habit, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., WD Ranch Road, Apr. 20, 2009
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